The mayor of London has now voiced criticism of the DJ’s treatment, saying Britain was living in a ‘Boko Haram world’, a reference to the Islamic terrorist group based in Nigeria that has kidnapped over 200 young girls.

Writing in his Daily Telegraph column, Mr Johnson said: ‘In our own modest way, we live in a Boko Haram world, where it all depends on the swirling rage of the internet mob, and where terrified bureaucrats and politicians are borne along on a torrent of confected outrage.

‘There is no consistency in the outlook of the Nigerian maniacs: they use weapons produced by the very capitalist system they claim to deplore, for instance.

‘There is certainly no logic at the BBC. They should restore Mr Lowe to his job – if he will take it – and the entire BBC board should go down to Devon to apologise in person, and at their own expense.

Dave Lowe says the ordeal has affected his health (Picture: SWNS)

Mr Lowe has now been offered his job back, but the DJ revealed on his website that the stress of the ordeal has exacerbated the symptoms of Dystonia, the neurological condition from which he suffers.

A BBC spokesman had admitted the situation ‘could have been handled better’ and said the ‘door remained open’ should he want to return.